The Lifestyle Nov - Dec 2023
The Christmas editions are here! With wonderful gift guides for everyone on your list, amazing prizes to be won, lots of recipes and stacks of tips to get your home ready to receive festive guests.
The Christmas editions are here! With wonderful gift guides for everyone on your list, amazing prizes to be won, lots of recipes and stacks of tips to get your home ready to receive festive guests.
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THE<br />
LIFESTYLE<br />
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2023</strong><br />
FESTIVE<br />
favourites<br />
GIFTS, RECIPES AND MORE<br />
man with a<br />
HAMMER<br />
Greg Penn on his<br />
renovation top tips<br />
WIN<br />
A DELUXE FESTIVE<br />
FOOD HAMPER, A<br />
SMART HEATING<br />
SYSTEM, LINGERIE<br />
AND MORE!<br />
home for<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
Getting the home ready<br />
to receive guests<br />
stopover<br />
SUN<br />
Making the most of<br />
transiting through Dubai<br />
TRAVEL | HOME & GARDEN | FOOD & DRINK | BEAUTY | INTERVIEWS
West Coast<br />
Cool - how<br />
to get that<br />
Southern<br />
Californian vibe,<br />
page 36<br />
EDITOR’S NOTE<br />
it's beginning to look a lot like...<br />
<strong>The</strong> most wonderful time of the year is upon us,<br />
and I don't know about you, but I'm already feeling<br />
that tingly, tinsel-filled excitement! It's the season<br />
of twinkling lights, scarves and hats, and, of course,<br />
the joy of gathering with friends and family. So,<br />
grab a cup of hot chocolate, curl up by the fire, and<br />
let's dive into the <strong>Dec</strong>ember issue!<br />
As we prepare to welcome guests this holiday<br />
season, we've got you covered with a fabulous<br />
guide on getting your home ready for company.<br />
From creating a beautiful table, to making a guest<br />
bedroom fit for a snow queen, we'll help you make<br />
your home the warmest, merriest, and most inviting<br />
place for your loved ones.<br />
Of course, no holiday season would be complete<br />
without indulging in some mouthwatering culinary<br />
delights. We've got some fabulous recipes to whet<br />
your appetite.<br />
Now, let's talk about one of the most delightful<br />
challenges of the season – gift-giving! We<br />
understand that finding the perfect present for<br />
those hard-to-please folks on your Christmas list<br />
can sometimes feel like a mission impossible. Fret<br />
not! In this issue, we've scoured the globe (and the<br />
internet) to curate a list of great gifts that will leave<br />
even the most challenging recipients grinning from<br />
ear to ear.<br />
This <strong>Dec</strong>ember, we're here to be your merry little<br />
elves, bringing you the magic and joy of the festive<br />
season. So, sit back, relax, and let us be your guide<br />
to a truly memorable Christmas. After all, 'tis the<br />
season to be jolly, and we're here to make sure<br />
you're positively brimming with holiday spirit!<br />
Wishing you a season filled with warmth, laughter,<br />
and love,<br />
i minervapublications | www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />
MINERVA PUBLICATIONS<br />
Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton BA14 6JB | T 01225 984 430<br />
Front Cover courtesy of Nkuku | Assistant Editor: Kate Norris<br />
Contributors: Rebecca Rose, Angela Cave, Matthew Biggs<br />
Would you like to find out about advertising? Simply email<br />
studio@minervapublications.co.uk or call 01225 984 430.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3
CONTENTS<br />
12<br />
06 COMPETITION<br />
Fabulous goodies to<br />
be won, from luxury<br />
hampers to lingerie<br />
12 RECIPES<br />
Delicious recipes for<br />
the festive season<br />
18 GIFT GUIDE<br />
Our ultimate gift<br />
guide - catering for<br />
everyone on your list<br />
24 WINTER SUN<br />
Making the most of a<br />
layover with a trip to<br />
Dubai<br />
26 STAYCATIONS<br />
Two gorgeous UK<br />
breaks if you need<br />
some R&R<br />
29 EDUCATION<br />
Advice from the ISC<br />
and IAPS<br />
34 HOME FOR XMAS<br />
Preparing your home<br />
for the arrival of<br />
Christmas guests<br />
40 RENOVATION<br />
Top tips on renovating<br />
from the pro-DIY-er<br />
Greg Penn
BOTANICALS<br />
COLLECTION<br />
N O W O N L I N E<br />
18<br />
33<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />
STERLING SILVER AND GOLD<br />
VERMEIL JEWELLERY WITH<br />
SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES -<br />
FROM £10 | hauslife.co.uk<br />
| 5
Time<br />
COMPETITION<br />
Find out more about entering our competitions online<br />
at www.minervamagazines/competitions.<br />
All the below close on 15th January 2024 with the exception of<br />
Copas which closes on 10th <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />
CHRISTMAS HAMPER<br />
WORTH £500<br />
We have the ‘<strong>Dec</strong>adent Christmas in a<br />
Box’ to give away to one lucky reader.<br />
Worth £500, this delicious hamper is<br />
filled with goodies, including a 6kg<br />
free range turkey, 4.5kg unsmoked<br />
ham, 1kg side of salmon, 1kg organic<br />
Cheddar, 1kg Cropwell Bishop Stilton,<br />
Christmas Pudding, Harrow & Hope<br />
Brut Reserve, Pigs in Blankets, a range<br />
of luxury sauces and oils and Copas<br />
Rosemary Gin.<br />
You can see the full Christmas range at<br />
www.copasturkeys.co.uk<br />
Keyword ‘Copas Turkeys’<br />
WIN A CANDY SMART WINE<br />
COOLER WORTH £300<br />
We are offering one lucky reader the<br />
chance to win a smart Candy Wine<br />
Cooler worth over £300. This appliance<br />
helps preserve the natural taste and<br />
smell of your wine, giving you the<br />
experience of a professional wine cellar.<br />
Smart home appliance brand Candy<br />
has partnered with Vivino - when you<br />
connect to the hOn app, you can<br />
enjoy the ‘SNAP MY WINE’ function<br />
- allowing you to keep a record of the<br />
wines in your cooler, helping you pair<br />
wine with different kinds of food.<br />
Keyword ‘Candy Wine Cooler’<br />
BATTERY-POWERED<br />
PRUNERS<br />
STIGA, a world-leading manufacturer<br />
and distributor of gardening machinery<br />
and equipment, announces its firstever<br />
battery-powered pruner, the SC<br />
100e. <strong>The</strong> SC 100e’s exceptional<br />
performance pruning capability adapts<br />
to the operator’s needs and to the<br />
task at hand. Its high-quality carbon<br />
steel blades are extremely sharp. With<br />
an option to select from three blade<br />
opening settings, this allows the cutting<br />
and trimming of branches up to 3.0 cm<br />
in diameter. We have three of these to<br />
give away! www.stiga.com/uk<br />
Keyword ‘Stiga Pruner’<br />
SOS SUPERSTARS SET<br />
Give the gift of radiant skin this<br />
Christmas with the SOS Serum<br />
Skincare Superstars Beauty Elixir<br />
gift set. Inside there’s a gel-cream<br />
cleanser, hydrating daily moisturiser<br />
with SPF 30, a Night Cream that is<br />
ready to help you regain healthy skin<br />
that positively glows and nourishing<br />
and mattifying lip balm with broad<br />
spectrum SPF 30. We have 4 sets to<br />
give away, comprising SOS Cleanse,<br />
SOS H20 Day Cream SPF 30, SOS<br />
Night Cream, SOS Lip Balm SPF 30,<br />
andEssential Drops Fragrance for the<br />
Home: Pomegranate & Lychee<br />
Keyword ‘SOS Superstars’<br />
A LUXURY LINGERIE SET<br />
Create a storm this winter... New<br />
bra and brief set, Bobette, is both<br />
luxurious and seductive.<br />
Featuring feminine lace and with a<br />
generous cleavage the elastic lace<br />
creates a three dimensional look in an<br />
exciting play of colours.<br />
Choose from the elegant Black or<br />
breath-taking Ruby Red versions.<br />
Available from www.ouhlala.co.uk<br />
Bra - £72, Shorty £33. Fits B-E cup<br />
We have two sets to give away.<br />
Keyword ‘Bobette’<br />
A SMART HEATING KIT<br />
FROM WISER!<br />
Wiser, the award-winning smart<br />
heating system, is giving two lucky<br />
readers the chance to win a home<br />
heating kit worth £299.99, which<br />
includes a Room <strong>The</strong>rmostat, Heat<br />
Hub and two Radiator <strong>The</strong>rmostats.<br />
Easy to install, the Wiser heating<br />
system can lower your energy bills by<br />
up to 30% per year. Wiser is available<br />
in classic white or stylish anthracite to<br />
suit your home. To find out how Wiser<br />
can help you save on your energy bills,<br />
head to wiser.draytoncontrols.co.uk<br />
Keyword ‘Wiser Energy’<br />
6 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
22 <strong>Nov</strong> – 13 Jan 2024<br />
22 <strong>Nov</strong> – 13 Jan 2024<br />
From £15*<br />
From £15*<br />
7 – 24 <strong>Dec</strong> From £12.50*<br />
7 – 24 <strong>Dec</strong> From £12.50*<br />
30<br />
30<br />
Jan<br />
Jan<br />
–<br />
–<br />
4<br />
4<br />
Feb<br />
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From<br />
From<br />
£34*<br />
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7 – 11<br />
11<br />
Feb<br />
Feb<br />
From<br />
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£18*<br />
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14 14 Feb Feb<br />
From £18*<br />
15 Feb<br />
From From £25* £25*<br />
BOOK NOW belgrade.co.uk<br />
BOOK NOW belgrade.co.uk<br />
*Ticket price includes a £1.50 booking fee.<br />
*Ticket price includes £1.50 booking fee.
Rubis Tweezers<br />
Slanted w/Leather<br />
Tweezer Case, £47.99,<br />
amazon.co.uk<br />
Animal Park<br />
Wallet, £30,<br />
vendulalondon.<br />
com<br />
Particularly British Piccalilli,<br />
Caramelised Onion Marmalade,<br />
Cranberry, Port & Orange Sauce,<br />
Christmas Spiced Chutney, £6.80 each<br />
Cotton Kimono-Style<br />
Dressing Gown,<br />
£39.99, and Alie Leaf<br />
Gold Plated Earrings,<br />
£11.99, hauslife.co.uk<br />
Stihl PG 10 Secateurs,<br />
£13.25, and Gardening<br />
Gloves, £26.20, stihl.co.uk<br />
Elevate Wine Glass, Set of 2,<br />
£35, dartington.co.uk<br />
Soho Street Cocktail<br />
Pouch, £28.99,<br />
sohostreetcocktails.com<br />
Assorted Chocolate Almonds<br />
and Nougat Luxury Selection,<br />
£35, farhi.co.uk<br />
Kocktail Bottled Cocktails -<br />
classics and new spins! All<br />
bottles £27, kocktail.co.uk<br />
Gold Plated Huggie<br />
Earrings, £30,<br />
matchboxjewellery.com<br />
time to<br />
WIN<br />
One lucky winner will win everything<br />
on this page. You can enter by joining<br />
our competition club, a single entry or<br />
by post - all details can be found here:<br />
minervamagazines.co.uk<br />
Competition closes 10am, 01/12/23<br />
Entrants must be over 18y/o. Please note,<br />
if some products are not available, the<br />
brands reserve the right to send an<br />
equivalent value prize<br />
instead. T&Cs apply.<br />
8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Christmas<br />
Workshops<br />
with Crochet<br />
Bouquet<br />
Get crafty this Christmas with<br />
handmade decorations, with local<br />
crafting business Crochet Bouquet.<br />
Offering a range of different workshops - including Christmas<br />
pudding baubles and super chunky yarn wreaths - workshop<br />
host Jen takes you through the basic steps to create your own<br />
projects. Each session comes with two hours of expert tuition,<br />
followed up with online video tutorials.<br />
Get<br />
10% OFF<br />
with code LIVING10<br />
exclusive for<br />
Marlborough Living<br />
readers.<br />
Will you make a wreath in the shape of a Christmas Pudding? Or<br />
will you buck tradition in making a bright pink pom pom wreath?<br />
<strong>The</strong> choice is yours.<br />
With sessions spread across Wiltshire, Berkshire and Somerset,<br />
there is something for everyone this festive season. Looking for<br />
something a little different to do this Christmas with your friends,<br />
family or for your office party? <strong>The</strong>se fun Christmas workshops<br />
are suitable for all ages and skill levels.<br />
“I started teaching friends and family years back, finally branching<br />
out into running bigger workshops this year. It’s been so<br />
much fun meeting new people and taking people from ‘I can’t<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
craft’ to confident crocheters! I craft every day, and being able<br />
to share that love with others is incredible. I’ve taught over<br />
100 people in the last 6 months, and what better way to keep<br />
spreading the love of crafting than with a bit of festive cheer.”<br />
Not crafty but know somebody who is? Crochet Bouquet offers<br />
a gift voucher or a selection of crafty kits, which make perfect<br />
stocking fillers for the crafters in your life.<br />
CHRISTMAS PUDDING DECORATIONS<br />
8 <strong>Nov</strong> 6:00pm <strong>The</strong> Court Street Gallery, Trowbridge<br />
9 <strong>Nov</strong> 7:00pm Burdall’s Yard, Bath, Somerset<br />
13 <strong>Nov</strong> 10:00am Craft Studio, Pewsey<br />
7 <strong>Dec</strong> 6:00pm Overton Framing Studio, Manton,<br />
Marlborough<br />
11 <strong>Dec</strong> 6:00pm Overton Framing Studio, Manton,<br />
Marlborough<br />
YARN WREATHS<br />
11 <strong>Nov</strong> 2:30pm Burdall’s Yard, Bath<br />
5:30pm Burdall’s Yard, Bath<br />
13 <strong>Nov</strong> 6:00pm Overton Framing Studio, Manton,<br />
Marlborough<br />
30 <strong>Nov</strong> 6:00pm Overton Framing Studio, Manton,<br />
Marlborough<br />
18 <strong>Nov</strong> 10:30am <strong>The</strong> Mulberry Bush, Thatcham<br />
20 <strong>Nov</strong> 7:00pm Springfield Community Centre, Corsham<br />
22 <strong>Nov</strong> 6:00pm <strong>The</strong> Court Street Gallery, Trowbridge<br />
6 <strong>Dec</strong> 6:00pm <strong>The</strong> Court Street Gallery, Trowbridge<br />
29 <strong>Nov</strong> 6:00pm Holt Village Hall, Holt<br />
1 <strong>Dec</strong> 1:30pm Fisherton Mill, Salisbury<br />
3 <strong>Dec</strong> 11:00am Fisherton Mill, Salisbury<br />
8 <strong>Dec</strong> 6:00pm Phoenix Hall, Netheravon, Salisbury<br />
9 <strong>Dec</strong> 2:00pm Wootton Rivers Village Hall, Wootton<br />
Rivers, Marlborough<br />
5:00pm Wootton Rivers Village Hall, Wootton<br />
Rivers, Marlborough<br />
9 <strong>Dec</strong> 10:00am Croft Hall, Hungerford<br />
10 <strong>Dec</strong> All day Corn Exchange, Devizes<br />
1:1 sessions, group tutorials and workplace parties<br />
available on request<br />
www.crochetbouquet.co.uk/living<br />
crochetbouquetbyjen@gmail.com<br />
i @crochetbouquetbyjen f crochetbouquetbyjen
a very very special<br />
Christmas<br />
ORDER BY THE 5 TH OF NOVEMBER<br />
TO RECEIVE A FREE GIFT<br />
COPASTURKEYS.CO.UK • 01628 499980
CHRISTMAS<br />
Delicious recipes for dessert and those sides, plus gifts galore<br />
for everyone on your list<br />
Image - Nkuku Christmas
Cooking for<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
We have some delicious recipes from the appliance<br />
pros at Cuisinart to make festive hosting easier<br />
Shredded Brussels & Pancetta<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
80g pancetta, cubed<br />
125g sprouts<br />
Lemon Dijon<br />
Vinaigrette<br />
1 clove garlic, slightly<br />
crushed<br />
1 lemon, juiced<br />
3 tbsp dijon mustard<br />
40ml apple cider<br />
vinegar<br />
120ml olive oil<br />
2 tsp honey<br />
Sea salt & pepper<br />
METHOD<br />
Add the pancetta to a medium /<br />
hot frying pan and cook until the fat<br />
renders and the pancetta is crispy.<br />
Place the pancetta on paper towel<br />
before setting to one side.<br />
Trim and peel the sprouts. In the Easy<br />
Prep Pro, set up the fine slicing disc in<br />
the large work bowl and process the<br />
sprouts on ‘HIGH’.<br />
Set up the small work bowl with the<br />
small chopping/mixing blade.<br />
Add all the vinaigrette ingredients to<br />
the small work bowl. Secure the lid<br />
and process on ‘HIGH’ until a thick<br />
emulsion forms. Season with sea salt<br />
and black pepper. Run the machine<br />
using the ‘PULSE’ button until<br />
thoroughly mixed. Pour the vinaigrette<br />
into a suitable jug for serving.<br />
Place the sprouts into a serving dish<br />
and drizzle over a generous serving<br />
of the vinaigrette. Combine well and<br />
scatter over the crispy pancetta.<br />
Tip: Any remaining vinaigrette can be<br />
stored in an airtight container in the<br />
fridge for up to 5 days.<br />
12 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
<strong>The</strong><br />
MARLOW<br />
DONKEY<br />
has had a makeover,<br />
come in and see us!<br />
Station Road, Marlow SL7 1NW<br />
Scan the QR code to book your table ...
Letting your holiday home<br />
has never been easier<br />
<strong>The</strong> Rural Retreats portfolio represents the best luxury self-catering holiday<br />
properties across the UK. Our expert team is dedicated to managing your<br />
holiday home with the same care and attention as you would, and with tailored<br />
services to suit your needs, you can be involved as much or as little as you like,<br />
knowing that you and your guests are in safe hands.<br />
01386 898 658<br />
newowners@ruralretreats.co.uk<br />
ruralretreats.co.uk
Spiced Victoria Sponge<br />
METHOD<br />
Preheat the oven to 180ºC / Fan 160ºC /<br />
Gas Mark 42.<br />
Grease a fluted bundt cake tin, alternatively<br />
you can use two greased and lined 20 cm<br />
springform cake tins. This will produce a<br />
more traditional cake.<br />
Set up the large work bowl of the Expert<br />
Prep Pro with the large chopping/mixing<br />
blade. Place the butter and sugar in the<br />
bowl and process on high until creamy.<br />
Add the eggs through the feed tube one by<br />
one, processing between each addition. Add<br />
the vanilla essence, cinnamon and nutmeg.<br />
Process to combine.<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
250g butter, room temperature<br />
250g caster sugar<br />
4 medium eggs<br />
1 tsp vanilla essence<br />
1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
1 tsp grated nutmeg<br />
175g self raising flour<br />
75g ground almonds<br />
1tsp baking powder<br />
Clementine Cream (not shown)<br />
300 ml double cream<br />
1 tbsp sifted icing sugar, plus some for<br />
dusting the cake<br />
1 large Clementine, zested and 1 tbsp juice<br />
To Serve<br />
Seasonal berries<br />
Chopped pistachios<br />
Add the flour, ground almonds and baking<br />
powder. Process lightly.<br />
Pour the cake mixture into the cake<br />
tin(s) and smooth the batter until<br />
level.<br />
Bake in the oven for 30 to<br />
35 minutes until the cake<br />
is golden brown on top<br />
and a skewer comes out<br />
clean.<br />
Allow to rest for a<br />
moment in the tin(s)<br />
before turning out<br />
onto a wire rack<br />
and leave to cool<br />
completely. <strong>Dec</strong>orate<br />
the cake with berries,<br />
chopped pistachios<br />
and lightly dust with<br />
icing sugar.<br />
Make the Clementine<br />
cream by softly whipping<br />
the cream with the icing<br />
sugar, Clementine zest and<br />
juice using the whisk attachment<br />
of the hand blender. Serve with the<br />
clementine cream. If using traditional<br />
springform tins the clementine cream can be<br />
used between the sponges.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 15
Winter Pavlova<br />
METHOD<br />
Preheat the oven to 140ºC/120ºC<br />
fan/gas 1.Line a baking tray with<br />
greaseproof paper. Mark out<br />
a 23cm circle on the backing<br />
paper to help size your pavlova.<br />
Attach the whisk attachment to<br />
the Cuisinart Hand Blender and<br />
whisk the egg whites in a clean,<br />
dry bowl on a medium setting<br />
until frothy. Add the cream of<br />
tartar and the white wine vinegar.<br />
Continue to whisk on a higher<br />
setting until the egg whites start<br />
to form stiff peaks.<br />
Gradually beat in the sugar,<br />
whisking it back to stiff peaks<br />
after each addition. When it<br />
is glossy and smooth spoon<br />
the meringue mixture onto the<br />
baking paper, making a shallow<br />
dip in the centre with the back of<br />
the spoon.<br />
Bake in the oven for 70 minutes,<br />
until the meringue looks slightly<br />
gooey in the middle and crisp on<br />
the outside. Turn the oven off,<br />
leaving the door open slightly<br />
and allow the meringue to cool<br />
completely.<br />
Whip the cream to soft peaks<br />
using the whisk attachment of<br />
the Cuisinart Hand Blender on a<br />
high setting. Whisk in the icing<br />
sugar and vanilla essence being<br />
careful not to over whisk the<br />
cream.<br />
Spoon the cream onto the<br />
cooled meringue and decorate<br />
with the clementines.<br />
Sift over a dusting of icing sugar<br />
before serving.<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
4 egg whites<br />
1 tsp cream of tartar<br />
1 tsp white wine vinegar<br />
225g caster sugar<br />
250ml whipping cream<br />
1 tbsp sifted icing sugar<br />
1 tsp vanilla essence<br />
4 - 6 peeled clementines<br />
Icing sugar for dusting<br />
16 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Keratin-coated hot air styler with<br />
8 accessories for drying your<br />
hair and creating different styles<br />
with a single movement, £99.99,<br />
bellissimaitalia.co.uk<br />
Alya Phone Case Bag Leather<br />
Black, £69, lonestaroflondon.com<br />
A divine diffuser<br />
to fill your house<br />
with scent,<br />
Cedarwood<br />
and Bergamot<br />
Reed Diffuser,<br />
£49, voya.ie<br />
Hayman’s<br />
Sloe Gin, £29,<br />
haymansgin.com<br />
Comes in<br />
a matching<br />
cotton gift<br />
bag<br />
Cotton PJ Sets, from<br />
£43.99, hauslife.co.uk<br />
gifts for<br />
HER<br />
Hotel-quality dressing gowns - with<br />
embroidery options available Hotel<br />
Velour Robe, £70, tielleloveluxury.co.uk<br />
Beautiful, unique tea<br />
blends and accessories<br />
birdandblendtea.com<br />
Handleless Coffee<br />
Cup, £11.99,<br />
hauslife.co.uk<br />
More than just an air<br />
fryer, it’s a master in slow<br />
cooking, roasting, and<br />
more, thanks to precise<br />
temperature control.<br />
I-Master Air Fryer Series<br />
5, £229.99, haiereurope.com<br />
Taittinger Prelude<br />
Grand Crus<br />
Champagne,<br />
johnlewis.com<br />
gifts for<br />
HIM<br />
British Wool Honeycomb<br />
Chunky Jumper, £79.95,<br />
glencroftcountrywear.<br />
co.uk<br />
This offers<br />
interchangeable<br />
grinding discs, a 15°<br />
grinding angle for a<br />
filigree edge and a 20°<br />
grinding angle for more<br />
robust blades. £159,<br />
horl.com<br />
Ideal for<br />
cooks and<br />
outdoor<br />
enthusiasts<br />
Herbs with no soil in<br />
sight! Hydro-Herb<br />
Hydoponic Kit, £25,<br />
hydro-herb.co.uk<br />
Super soft bamboo socks with a<br />
donation to animal charities. Save<br />
the Tigers Bamboo Socks £9.95,<br />
hauslife.co.uk<br />
Give an experience<br />
to remember with<br />
a day on the tracks<br />
in supercars. Triple<br />
Premium Driving<br />
Day, £129.99,<br />
redletterdays.<br />
co.uk<br />
18 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Family-friendly party game.<br />
Players earn points by getting their<br />
teammates to guess words and<br />
phrases using only single-syllable<br />
words. If you use any words<br />
with more than one syllable, the<br />
other team gets to bop you with a<br />
2-foot inflatable club. Poetry for<br />
Neanderthals, £19.99, Age 7+,<br />
Amazon, Smyths<br />
Magic away boredom<br />
on journeys with 180<br />
wizarding questions. It<br />
seems like it would be<br />
easy to name 3 Hogwarts<br />
Students—but can it be<br />
done under the pressure<br />
of 5 seconds? Harry<br />
Potter 5 Second Rule<br />
Mini, ages 8+, £9.99,<br />
Smyths<br />
Players must find their way to famous<br />
Pokémon characters in this simple<br />
strategy game of moving mazes<br />
Pokémon Labyrinth, Age 7+, £27.99,<br />
ravensburger.co.uk<br />
best<br />
GAMES<br />
<strong>The</strong> 100% offline party game<br />
where players compete<br />
to create the funniest text<br />
message thread. Players rotate<br />
drawing a sent card while the<br />
rest of the group competes<br />
for the funniest reply. Once<br />
everyone has played their<br />
chosen reply card, the judge<br />
decides which combo is the<br />
funniest. New Phone, Who<br />
Dis, 21.99, Age 17+,<br />
Amazon, Smyths,<br />
MenKind, Game<br />
Pass the parcel with<br />
a revolting twist -<br />
this hilarious family<br />
game gets everyone<br />
giggling! When the<br />
music stops, Farty<br />
Freddie will fart,<br />
giggle or burp - and<br />
if he lets out a trump<br />
so BIG he shakes<br />
and then you’re<br />
OUT! Farty Freddie,<br />
£19.99, Age 4+,<br />
Smyths<br />
Yoto Mini lets kids explore<br />
their imaginations as they<br />
explore the world. Kids<br />
from 3-12+ use physical<br />
cards to explore the<br />
best audiobooks, music,<br />
activities and educational<br />
audio on the move.<br />
£59.99, uk.yotoplay.com<br />
Elmer Applique<br />
Zip Sleepsuit, £23.50,<br />
jojomamanbebe.co.uk<br />
M.Y X<br />
Skate Complete 22 Inch<br />
Beginner Skateboard,<br />
£15.99, amazon.co.uk<br />
Pokémon Sleeping Charmander<br />
Pokémon 46cm, £39.99, smythstoys.com<br />
gifts for<br />
KIDS<br />
Organic Cotton Space<br />
Print Kids Pyjamas, £28,<br />
polarnopyret.co.uk<br />
Perfect for<br />
hard-to-buyfor<br />
teens<br />
<strong>The</strong> perfect STEM gift. Once<br />
assembled, children learn<br />
about music notations<br />
and can compose<br />
their own tunes by<br />
placing the pegs in<br />
different slots. £37.99,<br />
smarttoysandgames.<br />
co.uk<br />
Perfect activity packs for<br />
all ages, toucanbox.com<br />
Slimline Hollywood<br />
Mirror £84.99,<br />
vonhaus.com<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 19
A delectable assortment of the most<br />
delicious Italian goodies - this is a great<br />
option for those avoiding alcohol at<br />
Christmas, but there are lots of great<br />
options on the website. <strong>The</strong> Grand<br />
Teetotaller, £93, lavialla.com<br />
gifts for<br />
FOODIES<br />
Microplane Bowl Grater £20,<br />
microplane.com<br />
Give your health a boost with a gutfriendly<br />
hamper, Christmas Gut Health<br />
Hamper, £38, momo-kombucha.com<br />
Perfect smoked salmon<br />
from the experts.<br />
Whisky & Soy Glazed<br />
Salmon from £9.90,<br />
smokin-brothers.com<br />
KitchenAid Cast<br />
Iron Almond Cream<br />
Non-Stick 26cm<br />
Casserole Dish<br />
with Lid, £200,<br />
hartsofstur.com<br />
<strong>The</strong> Scottish<br />
Pantry £85,<br />
baxtersofscotland.<br />
com<br />
Salt and Pepper Mill, Set,<br />
£29.99, amazon.co.uk<br />
Chocolate Slab Gift Box, £54.99,<br />
meltchocolates.com<br />
Every bottle of Sea<br />
Change helps fund<br />
ocean conservation<br />
projects across the globe.<br />
Christmas Day<br />
Pack, £38.99,<br />
seachangewine.com<br />
Leather Jellyfish Cat Teaser Toy<br />
£29, cheshireandwain.com<br />
Woov is a cordless heating dog pillow<br />
with infrared technology and rechargeable<br />
battery. Heated Pet Cushion, 60x90,<br />
£139.95, uk.stoov.com<br />
Dog Mama Ceramic<br />
Travel Mug £28,<br />
aliceandwoody.co.uk<br />
Fur Bebe Pet<br />
Shampoo by OUAI,<br />
£28, amazon.co.uk<br />
gifts for<br />
PETS<br />
Save the oceans with this green<br />
marble effect sustainable dog<br />
bowl. Made from recycled fishing<br />
nets, it’s sure to take pride of place<br />
in any one of your rooms. £29.99,<br />
tanglemission.com<br />
20 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Sponsor a Redwings<br />
rescued horse<br />
www.redwings.org.uk/adopt<br />
01508 505246<br />
Named in honour of<br />
the Queen’s Jubilee,<br />
stunning Monarch<br />
was born at Redwings<br />
in April 2022 after his<br />
mother Majesty was<br />
sadly hit by a vehicle.<br />
Sponsor Monarch from<br />
as little as £2 a month<br />
and you’ll receive<br />
an adoption pack<br />
including Monarch’s<br />
story and a stunning<br />
photo, plus regular<br />
updates.<br />
TwoJays Corner<br />
Antiques & Vintage<br />
Unit 21c, Lamledge Lane Industrial Estate,<br />
Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 8SD<br />
01952 462340 • www.twojayscorner.com<br />
Find the perfect piece for your home or garden<br />
Open Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday<br />
10:30am to 4pm and by appointment in between.<br />
Find us tucked in the corner of Shifnal Industrial Estate, TF11 8SD<br />
SUPPORT<br />
ARMONICO<br />
✩✩✩✩✩ THE TIMES<br />
✩✩✩✩✩ LE FIGARO<br />
✩✩✩✩✩ THE INDEPENDENT<br />
✩✩✩✩✩ BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE<br />
“Pure Pleasure” ✩✩✩✩ THE GUARDIAN<br />
THE FRENCH CONNECTION<br />
30th September 7.30pm – Collegiate<br />
Church of St Mary, Warwick<br />
5th October 7.30pm – Malvern <strong>The</strong>atres<br />
Join Armonico<br />
Consort for a<br />
programme which<br />
embraces the<br />
French passion<br />
for pretty much<br />
everything from,<br />
food to literature and<br />
music, and from art to, well, national strikes.<br />
Nobody does it better than the French!<br />
Alongside the fabulously triumphant and<br />
arresting Te Deum by Charpentier (a work<br />
whose main theme is still used by the<br />
Eurovision Song Contest) are his lesserknown<br />
compositions, paired with those of<br />
Lully and Delalande. <strong>The</strong> work of these fine<br />
composers epitomises the brilliance of the<br />
French baroque in pretty much every form. A<br />
further highlight of this programme is a short<br />
work by Rameau, which many hail to be the<br />
most beautiful piece of music ever written.<br />
This performance is generously supported<br />
by Mr Nigel May and Mr & Mrs David and<br />
Rosemary Holding.<br />
IN DULCI JUBILO! -<br />
A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS<br />
BY CANDLELIGHT<br />
6th <strong>Dec</strong>ember 7.30pm - Collegiate<br />
Church of St Mary, Warwick<br />
9th <strong>Dec</strong>ember 7.30pm - Malvern<br />
<strong>The</strong>atres, Worcestershire<br />
Few countries celebrate Christmas like the<br />
Germans do, although the city of Venice<br />
comes pretty close!<br />
From the magisterial splendour of the<br />
Venetian baroque to the grand and hugescale<br />
works of the Michael Praetorius,<br />
one thing is certain – Christmas inspired<br />
composers to create the greatest tunes<br />
even back in the 16th & 17th Centuries! If<br />
you have never heard In Dulci Jubilo sung<br />
in 21 different parts, you must not miss<br />
this concert!<br />
This performance is generously supported<br />
by Mr Tim Coghlan, Braunston Marina<br />
ARMONICO CONSORT’S<br />
PRESIDENT’S CAROLS AT<br />
WARWICK CASTLE<br />
20th <strong>Dec</strong>ember 7.30pm – Warwick<br />
Castle, Warwick<br />
Following the sell-out success of this event<br />
in 2022, we once again invite you to join a<br />
select group of Armonico Consort’s finest<br />
singers for this brand new and exclusive<br />
event as they welcome Christmas in the<br />
magnificent setting of the Great Hall at<br />
Warwick Castle.<br />
Arrive through the beautifully lit courtyard,<br />
past glittering trees, to the Great Hall<br />
where you can enjoy a welcoming drink<br />
and begin your Christmas celebrations<br />
in exquisite style. (You could even go ice<br />
skating before if you are brave!)<br />
Armonico Consort will perform traditional<br />
carols in this unique setting, steeped in<br />
history, featuring pieces which may have<br />
featured in festive celebrations at the<br />
castle throughout the past almost 1000<br />
years!<br />
This performance is generously supported by<br />
Roger Medwell MBE DL<br />
Price includes welcome drink<br />
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT<br />
21st <strong>Dec</strong>ember7.30pm - Collegiate<br />
Church of St Mary, Warwick<br />
Carols by Candlelight has become a firm<br />
tradition of Armonico Consort’s festive<br />
programme over the past 22 years. What<br />
better way to enjoy the warmth and joy of<br />
the Christmas season than in the sublime<br />
candlelit setting of the Collegiate Church<br />
of St Mary, Warwick for a feast of carols,<br />
combining traditional favourites and<br />
newly-discovered works.<br />
Don’t miss out on the chance to purchase<br />
Armonico Consort’s brand-new carols<br />
recording which will be available this<br />
Christmas.<br />
This performance is generously supported<br />
by David Phillips MBE & Phillips and Becker<br />
Accountants Ltd<br />
Tickets: www.armonico.org.uk Box office: 01926 334418 (WARWICK) | 01684 892277 (MALVERN)<br />
Registered charity no. 1103159<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 21
Christmas and<br />
New Year <strong>2023</strong><br />
At Three Ways<br />
CHAPEL LANE, MICKLETON,<br />
CHIPPING CAMPDEN, GL55 6SB<br />
TEL - 01386 438429<br />
Whether you’re looking for a festive lunch, private party or festive Pudding Club,<br />
we have something to suit everyone this Christmas.<br />
All things festive at <strong>The</strong> Three Ways Hotel, Mickleton.<br />
Just 15 minutes from Stratford-upon-Avon...<br />
Whether you are looking for Dinner Parties,<br />
Afternoon Tea, their Famous Pudding<br />
Club, Private Dining, Christmas Dinner with<br />
loved ones or a sparkling New Years Eve<br />
bash they have it all covered at the Three<br />
Ways House Hotel, Mickleton.<br />
Under the new leadership of Chris Short<br />
the General Manager, and new chef Neil<br />
Peers, you will not be disappointed by<br />
the new restaurant menu and Vin X Bistro<br />
menu on offer. <strong>The</strong> Vin X Bistro is a relaxed<br />
environment, great for meeting friends and<br />
family for lunch, dinner and drinks. What<br />
could be better than a selection of fine<br />
wines from around the world to appeal<br />
to everyone’s taste? Whether you’re a<br />
connoisseur or simply wish to enjoy your<br />
favourite tipple. <strong>The</strong>y now also offer local<br />
Shakespeare’s Beers and a range of local<br />
Gins and Ciders. Chris has quite a history<br />
with the hotel as he held his first Head<br />
Chef role at the hotel back in 1995, and<br />
is deeply passionate about delivering<br />
amazing food. <strong>The</strong> hotel is already gaining<br />
a fantastic reputation for its wonderful<br />
Sunday lunches.<br />
tastings, and speciality themed nights<br />
are already being planned to offer their<br />
customers a great experience. Further<br />
investment upgrading the hotel, rooms and<br />
garden are planned for early next year……<br />
there will even be a new name…..so watch<br />
this space.<br />
Vin-X specialise in providing their clients<br />
with some of the world’s most famous<br />
wines to invest in. Iconic Bordeaux First<br />
Growths, Burgundy Grand Crus and top<br />
performing Champagnes are their everyday<br />
focus. With these great wines comes<br />
access to superb ‘drinkers’ that aren’t easy<br />
to come by in the UK high street.<br />
To find out much more information about<br />
what we have to offer, and our Christmas<br />
occasions, please visit our website<br />
www.threewayshousehotel.com/<br />
christmas-<strong>2023</strong>/<br />
Why not also scan here to enter into a<br />
competition to win a festive Afternoon Tea<br />
for 4 people in <strong>Dec</strong>ember.<br />
Exciting Times are ahead at <strong>The</strong> Three<br />
Ways Hotel, Mickleton. <strong>The</strong> hotel has been<br />
under new ownership now since February<br />
<strong>2023</strong> and you may have noticed the<br />
investment to the site has already begun.<br />
A new alfresco terrace has been installed<br />
at the front of the hotel, a great spot for<br />
meeting friends, stopping for a coffee with<br />
your four-legged friend or simply enjoying<br />
a glass of wine. Once inside you will see<br />
the interior has also been upgraded in<br />
the Vin X Bistro. Gourmet dinners, wine<br />
GIFT VOUCHERS<br />
Treat someone special this Christmas
TRAVEL<br />
A stopover to remember in Dubai, plus a luxury London stay<br />
and a south Wales staycation
A STOPOVER<br />
to remember<br />
W Dubai - Mina Seyahi<br />
With over two thirds of the world’s population living within an eight-hour flight<br />
of Dubai, it’s little wonder that it’s such a hub for travel. If your next long haul<br />
trip sees you transiting through, Katie Thomson has some suggestions about<br />
how to turn your stopover into a trip to remember.<br />
I’ve usually been in the camp of<br />
‘direct flights only, just get me on<br />
holiday as quickly as possible’<br />
but a stopover is both financially<br />
economical and sometimes the only<br />
option for certain destinations.<br />
But, instead of whiling away four<br />
hours between flights with endless<br />
phone scrolling or duty-free<br />
shopping, I decided on my most<br />
recent trip to the Maldives to make<br />
more of the journey, with three<br />
night stopover in Dubai. And you<br />
know what? I’m now a fully paid-up<br />
stopover super-fan, and I want to<br />
tell you what not to miss.<br />
ACTIVITIES<br />
Dubai really is the city of activities<br />
- whether you are a thrill-seeker, a<br />
history buff or a die-hard shopper,<br />
you’ll be well-catered for.<br />
As this was a short stopover,<br />
we wanted to explore Dubai in a<br />
different way, so opted to see more<br />
of the city by water on a HERO<br />
Dubai Sunset Boat Tour.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se two-person boats can reach<br />
speeds of up to 50kph and are a fun<br />
alternative to sightseeing Dubai’s<br />
beautiful skylines. You’ll stop at<br />
famous landmarks like Burj Al Arab,<br />
Ain Dubai, the Palm islands and<br />
many more, whilst getting to test<br />
your handling skills and take in<br />
some panoramic vistas.<br />
You’re taken out by an experienced<br />
guide, who’ll point out the<br />
architectural gems, alongside the<br />
palatial holiday homes of Emirati<br />
royalty.<br />
Dubai is sometimes considered<br />
to be a bit of a culture-vacuum,<br />
but if you’re interested in learning<br />
more about the Bedouin lifestyle, a<br />
Platinum Heritage Tour is the perfect<br />
way to see Dubai’s protected<br />
deserts and understand more about<br />
the history of the region.<br />
Eco-friendly tours take in the sites of<br />
Dubai’s deserts in luxury - there are<br />
lots of options, including camping<br />
out overnight, but we decided on<br />
a ride in a 1950s open-top Land<br />
Rover. <strong>The</strong> tour started by decking<br />
us out for the desert with our own<br />
headscarfs and cooler water bottles,<br />
before a drive through the rolling<br />
sand dunes. <strong>The</strong> visit included<br />
lots of information about the local<br />
flora and fauna, a soaring falconry<br />
display and culminated with a feast<br />
in a Bedouin camp, complete with<br />
a drum show and astronomy talk.<br />
It was such a wonderful way to get<br />
an insight into a completely different<br />
side of Dubai, and one I’d implore<br />
anyone to make time for.<br />
STAY<br />
A fantastic base for exploration is<br />
the beautiful W Dubai - Mina Seyahi<br />
- part of the Westin complex, guests<br />
can enjoy all the amenities of three<br />
hotels in one location.<br />
From a winding child-friendly pool<br />
and on-site waterpark, to an adult’s<br />
only pool, plus a fantastic swim up<br />
bar, the resort caters for all travelling<br />
24 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
From top to bottom: Expansive views from<br />
Attiko Restaurant; Rooms at the W Dubai<br />
Mina Seyahi; Platinum Heritage Desert<br />
Tours; HERO Boat Tours<br />
parties - we saw families, hen parties,<br />
couples and friends all making the<br />
most of the exceptional facilities.<br />
<strong>The</strong> hotel also has its own expansive<br />
section of beach - meaning you can<br />
dip in the warm waters of the Dubai<br />
Marina just steps from the pool.<br />
<strong>The</strong> W Dubai - Mina Seyahi is<br />
architecturally beautiful, modelled<br />
on a King Cobra with a hood and<br />
reaching skyward. <strong>The</strong> design concept<br />
is contemporary and luxurious, but<br />
with nods to desert history and<br />
folklore - including art installations<br />
featuring stories of Arabian Nights and<br />
sculptural, modern interpretations of<br />
Bedouin tents and carpets.<br />
Right by the pool, you can enjoy<br />
delicious food from Bussola - a sea<br />
view Italian restaurant with pizzeria on<br />
top deck, romantic fine dining below,<br />
plus terrace bar.<br />
Don’t miss the chance to visit the<br />
hotels spectacular Attiko restaurant<br />
- as well as enjoying expansive,<br />
glittering views of Dubai’s buzzing<br />
marina, it serves world-class<br />
Japanese food.<br />
PLAN YOUR<br />
VISIT<br />
I hope my experiences have helped<br />
convince you to consider Dubai for a<br />
longer stopover next time you travel.<br />
Breaking up a long haul journey helps<br />
to get you into the holiday mode -<br />
allowing you a more gentle adjustment<br />
into another time zone, as well as an<br />
opportunity to explore.<br />
TO BOOK:<br />
HERO Sunset Boat Tour, £218,<br />
per boat (for up to 2 people)<br />
heroboattours.com<br />
Heritage Safari, from £155 per person,<br />
platinum-heritage.com<br />
Rooms at the W Dubai - Mina Seyahi<br />
start from £344<br />
marriott.com<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 25
STYLISH<br />
Stays<br />
Katie Thomson heads for a restorative break at the<br />
Dylan Coastal Resort, Carmarthenshire<br />
You may have visited South Wales<br />
for the gems of the Gower Peninsula,<br />
or even the coastal routes of<br />
Pembrokeshire - but if you didn’t stop<br />
to explore the joys of Carmarthenshire,<br />
you are missing some of the country’s<br />
most scenic spots. On its Western<br />
borders you will find the ancient<br />
Brecon Beacons, right to the golden<br />
sandy beaches along Carmarthen Bay<br />
- there’s so much to discover.<br />
Nestled in the quiet seaside town of<br />
Laugharne on the Carmarthen coast,<br />
the Dylan Coastal Resort is a state<br />
of the art, luxurious holiday retreat,<br />
complete with a beautiful spa and Milk<br />
Wood House, the on-site restaurant<br />
featuring the best of local produce.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Dylan Coastal Resort makes the<br />
most of the expansive vistas afforded<br />
by its prime location on the hills<br />
overlooking the Taf Estuary. <strong>The</strong> resort<br />
is a collection of 60 luxury lodges,<br />
all designed to maximise the setting<br />
and offer a supremely comfortable<br />
self-catering experience. Some, like<br />
our ‘Epic’ lodge, come with a hot<br />
tub - perfect for soaking up the everchanging<br />
sea view.<br />
Taking its name from poet and Welsh<br />
literary legend Dylan Thomas, guests<br />
can enjoy the same views as Dylan<br />
himself - his famous writing hut is set<br />
on the cliff edge below the resort. <strong>The</strong><br />
setting is certainly inspiring and you<br />
can visit his hut, as well as enjoying<br />
some spectacular circular walks taking<br />
in coastal and woodland scenery just<br />
a stroll from the main entrance.<br />
With so much on offer on the site,<br />
you’d be forgiven for not wanting to<br />
venture far - there are a few lovely<br />
eateries in Laugharne, but we loved<br />
Milk Wood House. With three separate<br />
terraces to dine on, an open kitchen<br />
featuring a wood-fired pizza oven,<br />
and a refined yet rustic approach to<br />
cooking, the Milk Wood Kitchen and<br />
Bar is the perfect place to drink and<br />
dine, soaking in the views.<br />
Relaxation is paramount here and the<br />
spa delivers on every level. It has been<br />
thoughtfully designed to maximise the<br />
views - the swimming pool featuring<br />
two-storey windows out to the sea.<br />
<strong>The</strong> on-site spa also offers up a host<br />
of luxury treatments with premium<br />
skincare brand ishga, to help you relax<br />
into your stay, brightening, cleansing<br />
facials to deep tissue massages – all<br />
of which will be tailored to suit your<br />
individual needs.<br />
<strong>The</strong> resort is ideally placed for further<br />
exploration - on a gloriously sunny<br />
day, we took the scenic coastal route<br />
to Tenby. If you’ve not visited before,<br />
I’d implore you to - with it’s historic<br />
13th century fortress walls alongside<br />
rows of brightly coloured terraces,<br />
it’s picturesque and a joy to wander<br />
around. Couple that with it’s bevy of<br />
independent stores and charming<br />
pubs, it’s the perfect day trip from<br />
the resort.<br />
A trip to recharge the batteries was<br />
needed and the Dylan Coastal resort<br />
delivered on every level. If you’re<br />
looking for a destination which offers<br />
fantastic facilities, unparalleled<br />
comfort and the most picturesque of<br />
settings, consider this beauty spot for<br />
your next staycation.<br />
Stays at Dylan Coastal Resort start from £379.<br />
For more information or to book, please, visit<br />
www.luxurylodges.com/dylan-coastal-resort<br />
26 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
STYLISH<br />
Stays<br />
A resort-style hotel in the heart<br />
of central London, <strong>The</strong> Ned has<br />
all the ingredients of a decadent<br />
weekend away...<br />
STYLE<br />
<strong>The</strong> hotel opened in 2017 - a<br />
spectacular conversion of the original<br />
Midland Bank HQ designed in 1924 by<br />
Sir Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens. <strong>The</strong> project<br />
was a partnership between the US-<br />
Based Sydell Group and the inimitably<br />
stylish Soho House Group - the latter’s<br />
astonishing attention to detail evident<br />
in the impeccable interiors. Stylistically,<br />
the hotel references the 1920s, Thirties<br />
and Forties, all with a modern level of<br />
decadence. Think of polished marble<br />
floors, deep mahogany and plush<br />
velvet - plus the beautiful architectural<br />
framework of the original building.<br />
LOCATION<br />
<strong>The</strong> hotel’s location, steps from Bank<br />
tube station, is the City ‘proper’ - and as<br />
such the area is much busier during the<br />
week than weekends. But you needn’t<br />
worry about a lack of external activity -<br />
the hotel itself is so all-encompassing,<br />
you might not feel the need to leave.<br />
If you do venture out, the Millennium<br />
Bridge, leading to delights like the Tate<br />
Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe<br />
<strong>The</strong>atre are only 15 minutes walk away.<br />
ROOMS<br />
<strong>The</strong> same attention to detail evident in<br />
the communal spaces is echoed in the<br />
rooms - many of them furnished with<br />
Soho House’s own furniture lines. <strong>The</strong><br />
mahogany beds are large and deliciously<br />
comfortable - perfect for sprawling in<br />
your fluffy robe.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re is a generosity in the room’s<br />
amenities too - full-sized Cowshed<br />
products in an array of ‘flavours’ are there<br />
to try, alongside thoughtful touches like<br />
hair straighteners and charging cables -<br />
everything is geared toward making sure<br />
your stay is as comfortable and stressfree<br />
as possible.<br />
THE SPA<br />
For a central-London hotel, the spa<br />
here is a surprise and a joy. Located in<br />
a bank vault, the space feels delightfully<br />
enveloping, and it oozes the same style<br />
as upstairs with its chequerboard marble<br />
floor and green verdite columns. <strong>The</strong><br />
treatment menu is extensive - there’s<br />
a men’s grooming bar as well as a<br />
hairdressers, alongside a full menu of<br />
massages and facials.<br />
<strong>The</strong> spa space also includes a beautiful<br />
pink marble hammam space, as well as a<br />
relaxation lounge and a gym.<br />
FOOD & DRINK<br />
<strong>The</strong> former Grand Banking Hall is<br />
home to the Ned’s impressive array of<br />
restaurants, separated by partitions<br />
created from the bank’s former teller<br />
stations. From Asian-Pacific cuisine<br />
at Kaia, to Lutyen’s Grill and Malibu<br />
Kitchen, you can sample a world<br />
of flavours in one location. All are<br />
articulated by the central stage in the<br />
round, where diners can enjoy live music<br />
from each respective space.<br />
A personal favourite is Cecconi’s, an<br />
Italian restaurant with real flair - it’s food<br />
for the soul, elevated and made all the<br />
more special by the setting. Somehow, in<br />
all the vastness of this space, dining here<br />
still feels intimate.<br />
T O S T A Y :<br />
Bedrooms start from £425 per night.<br />
Find out more at thened.com<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 27
Divorce and Separation<br />
– Family Law Partners<br />
Approach<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
Family Law Partners work with clients<br />
to help them avoid the traditional Court<br />
process where possible, which is often both<br />
emotionally and financially draining...<br />
As a firm we have one of the strongest dispute resolution teams,<br />
which includes mediators, collaborative lawyers, an Arbitrator<br />
and a therapist.<br />
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?<br />
ADR is an alternative way to resolve a dispute, other than<br />
via Court. <strong>The</strong> majority of clients prefer making decisions<br />
themselves relating to children and financial matters rather than a<br />
Judge having the final say.<br />
In family matters ADR includes solicitor-led negotiation,<br />
mediation, collaborative law, Early Neutral Evaluation / Private<br />
FDR, and Arbitration, all of which can be used as individual<br />
options, or as a combination.<br />
Two of the most commonly used forms of ADR are solicitor-led<br />
negotiations and Mediation.<br />
What is Solicitor-Led negotiation?<br />
<strong>The</strong> aim of solicitor led negotiation is to try and reach an<br />
agreement via solicitors’ correspondence, discussions on the<br />
telephone between solicitors or a round table meeting. Often<br />
solicitor-led negotiation is regarded as a good alternative to<br />
mediation, when mediation is not suitable.<br />
Mediation<br />
Mediation is a voluntary, without prejudice and confidential<br />
process whereby the parties meet with a trained independent<br />
mediator. <strong>The</strong> mediator will not impose a decision on the parties<br />
and instead he/she acts as a facilitator to assist the parties to<br />
explore and discuss the issues in dispute, with the aim of finding<br />
solutions.<br />
Hannah Viet is a Director and Mediator at Family Law Partners,<br />
specialist family lawyers in Horsham.<br />
Contact Family Law Partners: 01403 599215 or email<br />
enquiries@familylawpartners.co.uk.<br />
A different approach to<br />
family law<br />
Our Horsham team deliver exceptional client<br />
care and promote the use of alternative<br />
dispute resolution to help minimise both the<br />
emotional and financial cost of separation.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Family Law Partners office is in<br />
central Horsham. We also advise clients in<br />
Billingshurst, Cranleigh, Crawley, Godalming,<br />
Guildford and surrounding areas.<br />
We can help you with:<br />
Children matters<br />
•<br />
Divorce and Separation<br />
Dissolution of Civil Partnerships<br />
Cohabitation disputes<br />
Prenuptial and Postnuptial agreements<br />
Cohabitation agreements<br />
Mediation and Collaborative Law<br />
For a confidential conversation and to learn<br />
more about our fixed fee appointments<br />
contact our team:<br />
01403 599215<br />
info@familylawpartners.co.uk<br />
www.familylawpartners.co.uk<br />
28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Top Tips<br />
when considering an independent school<br />
Every parent wants to give their child the best start in life, and this naturally<br />
includes choosing a school that best suits their child’s needs. For many this<br />
can be a daunting task, and it can be hard to know where to start.<br />
An independent education remains a<br />
popular choice for families, with lots of<br />
different schools to choose from including<br />
day and boarding, single-sex and coeducational,<br />
and schools with specialisms<br />
such as in the arts or sport.<br />
Open days give families the opportunity to<br />
see first-hand whether a particular school<br />
is the right fit. Some schools continue<br />
to run virtual open days in the aftermath<br />
of the pandemic, making it possible for<br />
families to explore what a school has to<br />
offer from the comfort of their own home.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are many different aspects to<br />
consider when attending an open day,<br />
so to help ease the process, here are<br />
some top tips for parents considering an<br />
independent school for their child:<br />
NARROW DOWN YOUR CHOICES<br />
If you live in an area with a number of<br />
good schools nearby, create a shortlist<br />
and take time to plan your school visits.<br />
For parents with a limited choice of local<br />
schools, the ‘Find a School’ tool on the<br />
isc.co.uk website is particularly useful,<br />
as it enables you to refine your search by<br />
distance, day and boarding, age range,<br />
fee assistance options and more! If you<br />
are considering a school which is further<br />
afield, it’s worth making a day of it so you<br />
and your child can get a feel for the area.<br />
THINK ABOUT THE SCHOOL’S<br />
SPECIALISM OR FOCUS<br />
All independent schools are different,<br />
offering unique specialisms and<br />
strengths. Ask yourself what type of<br />
school would best suit your child – are<br />
they sporty, academic or creative? If you<br />
have an academic child you might like<br />
to consider a selective school, whereas<br />
if your child is very creative, you might<br />
prefer a school with excellent arts<br />
provision and facilities.<br />
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS<br />
Teachers expect parents to be inquisitive<br />
and are well prepared to answer<br />
questions, so ask teachers everything you<br />
want to know; it is always best to speak<br />
up if you have any queries or concerns!<br />
Important areas that you might ask about<br />
include class sizes, the subjects on offer,<br />
methods of assessment, extracurricular<br />
activities and pastoral support.<br />
It would also be worthwhile learning more<br />
about how the school communicates with<br />
parents; it’s important that you feel wellinformed<br />
and able to discuss any matters<br />
pertaining to your child’s progress or<br />
wellbeing. If you are considering a<br />
boarding school for your child, take the<br />
opportunity to find out more about the<br />
on-site accommodation, flexi-boarding<br />
options and what activities take place<br />
over the weekends.<br />
Chat to pupils as well as staff and ask<br />
them about their experiences at the<br />
school. Much can be learned from<br />
observing their behaviour – do they seem<br />
happy, confident and at ease in their<br />
environment, are they engaged with their<br />
lessons and wider activities?<br />
MAKE A FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT<br />
An open day allows you to build an<br />
impression of what type of school is on<br />
offer. So, if you are happy with what you<br />
see, book a follow-up appointment with<br />
the school. This will enable you to speak<br />
more personally with the headteacher or<br />
registrar and provide another opportunity<br />
to ask any further questions or raise<br />
concerns you might have.<br />
<strong>The</strong> independent sector is diverse, with a<br />
huge array of schools and approaches to<br />
education on offer. Make the most of your<br />
open days, and use the experience to<br />
guide you as you choose the right school<br />
for your child.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 29
<strong>The</strong> Value of<br />
Independent Early<br />
Years Education<br />
By Sarah Hollingsworth, Head of Gresham’s Pre-Prep School and<br />
IAPS’ recently-appointed Pre-Prep and Early Years Subject Adviser<br />
Albert Einstein famously said: “Logic will<br />
get you from A-B. Imagination will take<br />
you everywhere.” More recently, worldrenowned<br />
education expert and adviser<br />
Dr Ger Graus noted: “Children can only<br />
aspire to what they know exists.”<br />
<strong>The</strong>se two much-quoted comments<br />
have a common theme and highlight the<br />
power of what children are exposed to<br />
during their early years and the impact<br />
this has on their future.<br />
Early years educators like myself have<br />
been entrusted with the important task<br />
of empowering those in our care with<br />
opportunities to develop essential life<br />
skills such as resilience, independence,<br />
kindness and imagination. But early<br />
years education has to start with what<br />
parents expose their children to at<br />
home, not least lots of love, exposure<br />
to reading, role modelling, but also<br />
choosing the best setting to entrust one<br />
of the most important people in their<br />
lives to.<br />
This is where it all begins. <strong>The</strong> period<br />
from birth to age eight is critical for<br />
cognitive, social, emotional and physical<br />
development. Optimal brain development<br />
requires a stimulating environment,<br />
nourishing food, top-quality care-givers<br />
and social interaction.<br />
Unsurprisingly, this is a hot topic for every<br />
government, not to mention the Princess<br />
of Wales, who has spoken recently about<br />
the importance of early years education.<br />
A massive part of that is having the best<br />
practitioners delivering this education<br />
and having the right opportunities and<br />
environments for them to learn in.<br />
I have been fortunate to work across<br />
the state-maintained and independent<br />
sectors and benefited from some of<br />
the very best training and guidance<br />
during my professional career, including<br />
incredible continuous professional<br />
development and leadership training. I<br />
am also the daughter of an early years<br />
teacher and, growing up, I witnessed<br />
how hard my mother worked and how<br />
much energy she gave to the children in<br />
her care.<br />
For the last seven years, I have been<br />
in a unique position as Headmistress<br />
of Gresham’s Nursery and Pre-Prep, a<br />
co-educational day and boarding school<br />
on the North Norfolk coast. <strong>The</strong> school<br />
has three parts: Nursery and Pre-Prep,<br />
<strong>The</strong> Prep School and <strong>The</strong> Senior School,<br />
each based on a different campus,<br />
allowing the children to have the security<br />
of friendships growing with them as<br />
they move through the school at crucial<br />
transition stages.<br />
Gresham’s believes that each child<br />
is different and has a gift. Our very<br />
youngest children, aged just two, are<br />
exposed to many opportunities, with<br />
access to all the school’s facilities as well<br />
as acres of woodland, swimming pool,<br />
astro turfs, tennis courts and sports hall.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y experience opportunities which<br />
open their eyes to future jobs, interests<br />
and passions and also enjoy lessons in<br />
ballet and music, languages, computing,<br />
cooking, and outdoor learning half days.<br />
Research demonstrates high-quality<br />
opportunities help children to succeed.<br />
<strong>The</strong> independent sector is fortunate to<br />
have small class sizes and all the facilities<br />
and resources to offer this.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re is no one more precious than<br />
our children. <strong>The</strong>y are the future – and<br />
the future for a hopeful world. So, our<br />
task is simple. We work to create an<br />
environment where happy, relaxed, calm,<br />
courteous and curious children can<br />
flourish and be their best.<br />
30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 31
f a s h i o n &<br />
a c c e s s o r i e s<br />
p e r f e c t<br />
g i f t i n g<br />
h o m e w a r e s<br />
& c e r a m i c s<br />
1 0 % o f f<br />
u s i n g<br />
1 0 H A U S L I F E<br />
www.hauslife.co.uk
HOME &<br />
GARDEN<br />
Getting ready to receive Christmas guests, tips on removating,<br />
plus, mistakes to avoid when saving energy
Robin Large Sofa in Basket Weave,<br />
Sandstone, arloandjacob.com<br />
HOME<br />
for Christmas<br />
OVERHAUL<br />
DINING SPACE - is your table large enough<br />
to host? Consider an extending table, which you can<br />
keep smaller throughout the year until you need to up<br />
the size.<br />
REPAINT - new paint or wallpaper is the fastest,<br />
and one of the cheapest, to completely transform the<br />
feel of a space.<br />
NEW SOFA - just be sure to choose one from a<br />
company who can deliver in time for Christmas!<br />
LIVING<br />
&DINING<br />
Broccoli Brown,<br />
Farrow & Ball<br />
Eyebright by<br />
Earthborn Paints<br />
Burano Dining Chair, bridgman.co.uk<br />
Navy Leaved Plant On Taupe A3 Graphic<br />
Print, Oak Frame, £45 cultfurniture.com<br />
QUICK FIXES<br />
REFRESH WITH NEW<br />
PRINTS - it’s amazing the life that new<br />
artwork can inject into a space - try to pick<br />
a piece which includes the colours of your<br />
larger furniture pieces, like your sofa.<br />
Istanbul Lamp,<br />
£179, hauslife.<br />
co.uk<br />
NEW CUSHIONS - seasonally<br />
change your cushions, you can keep the<br />
same inners and just swap the covers to<br />
refresh the space. Add more cosy fabrics<br />
like velvet, wool and corduroy as we come<br />
into the cooler months.<br />
NEW RUG - rugs have big impact<br />
without having to get new flooring.<br />
Clear Waters, Tresco by Ted<br />
Dyer - options from £120<br />
johndyergallery.com<br />
34 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
GUEST<br />
BEDROOM<br />
OVERHAUL<br />
REDECORATE - updating the room and<br />
adding elements of interest like panelling can be<br />
transformative.<br />
NEW BED - lots of us have guest rooms<br />
with beds that have been retired from service<br />
somewhere else in the house. Making sure the<br />
bed is comfortable and inviting, plus aesthetically<br />
pleasing gives an instant update - after all, it is the<br />
biggest thing in the room.<br />
SOFA BED - for many of us, our guest room<br />
is now our home office, so it might make more<br />
sense to have a sofa bed that can act as a break<br />
out space when you’re working and save space<br />
when not in use.<br />
Ca’ Pietra Proper Good Paint<br />
Pair of Ophelia Droplet Mirrors, £260, frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk<br />
QUICK FIXES<br />
NEW LIGHTING - some new table lamps can<br />
refresh the space, or you can get wall lights with plugs<br />
to save space on the bedside tables.<br />
NEW BEDDING - new bedding really refreshes<br />
a space. Think about providing enough pillows and lots<br />
of layers like blankets and quilts - it makes a space feel<br />
inviting.<br />
ADD ACCESSORIES - decorative elements<br />
breathe life into a space - too often, guest rooms look<br />
forgotten about. Pair it right back, get rid of the clutter<br />
and add things like a reed diffuser, cushions on the bed,<br />
a mirror and a vase of flowers or a house plant.<br />
<strong>The</strong> perfect sofa bed for smaller spaces -<br />
Swyft Model 08 Sofa Bed swyfthome.com<br />
French Bedroom Company<br />
MAKE IT INVITING - adding things like fluffy<br />
towels, a nice cotton robe to wear or a basket with<br />
essentials like toothpaste,<br />
Demira Tassel Cushion, from £36,<br />
and Nia Tassel Throw, £65, both<br />
hauslife.co.uk<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 35
eachhouseart.co.uk<br />
OVERHAUL<br />
NEW BATHROOM - It might be time for a new<br />
bathroom. Depending on your fixtures, you may be able<br />
to reuse elements and just refresh the tiles. If you are<br />
undergoing larger works, chat through your plans with<br />
your bathroom installer to make sure they address all the<br />
practicalities.<br />
BATHROOM<br />
Rhoper Rhodes<br />
Roddy Wall Light pooky.com<br />
QUICK FIXES<br />
CHANGE ACCESSORIES-<br />
Replace your soap dispenser, toothbrush<br />
holder, loo roll holder and bin - a little refresh<br />
can make all the difference. <strong>The</strong> same goes<br />
for fresh, fluffy towels.<br />
REPAINT YOUR WALLS - if you<br />
don’t have full tiles, a fresh lick of paint can<br />
make a space feel cleaner and more inviting.<br />
Emerald Plumage Wallpaper,<br />
Divine Savages<br />
Dunelm<br />
REPLACE OLD/MOULDY SILICON -<br />
it’s amazing how much better fresh, clean and white<br />
silicon looks.<br />
NEW PRINTS - changing up your bathroom<br />
prints can breathe new life into the space.<br />
Hand Wash,<br />
£6.99, kitandkin.<br />
com; Tray, £35,<br />
boxwoodhomeinteriors.<br />
co.uk<br />
36 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
EXCEPTIONAL BATHROOMS<br />
DESIGNED AROUND YOU.<br />
CREATING BEAUTIFUL BATHROOMS SINCE 1988 | ripplesbathrooms.com<br />
RIPPLES WINCHESTER, 13 - 15 STOCKBRIDGE ROAD, WINCHESTER, SO22 6RN | 01962 859296<br />
SHOWROOMS NATIONWIDE<br />
Winchester <strong>Lifestyle</strong> 165x240 +3mm.indd 1 07/03/<strong>2023</strong> 10:23
Annie Sloan Kitchen Paint<br />
QUICK FIXES<br />
REPAINT YOUR CABINETS - if your<br />
units are in good condition, this is a great way to<br />
save money and stop the upheaval that a kitchen<br />
transformation can bring. We advise you only get a<br />
professional to do this as you need the finish to be<br />
hard-wearing. Similarly, changing the worktops can<br />
have a transformative effect.<br />
LIGHTING- kitchen lighting must be both functional<br />
and aesthetically pleasing. How about changing a<br />
pendant light to a spotlight rail for more working light, or<br />
changing the pendants on your breakfast bar. Try adding<br />
a wireless lamp to brighten dark corners.<br />
RESTYLE - change up the accessories you have on<br />
the sides and have a big declutter<br />
ARTWORK - hanging some new prints, or propping<br />
some on open shelves can inject personality into a space<br />
and make it feel more inviting.<br />
KITCHEN<br />
OVERHAUL<br />
ADD NEW KITCHEN STOOLS - many of us<br />
buy a quick fix with a new kitchen but it’s good to revisit<br />
with fresh eyes.<br />
ADD SOME OPEN SHELVING - it’s a fresh<br />
way to add a bit more storage and you can display your<br />
favourite pieces<br />
Olive & Barr Kitchens<br />
Wireless Lamp, £150, oka.com<br />
It might be time to bite the bullet and opt for a<br />
new kitchen - many of us are living with poorlydesigned<br />
spaces which don’t stand up to<br />
familial needs. If you’re trying to get this ordered<br />
before Christmas, you need to be decisive<br />
about what you need. Consult an expert<br />
kitchen designer - they’ll have ideas to<br />
maximise functionality whilst creating<br />
something beautiful.<br />
Print, inkanddrop.com<br />
Sylvia Kitchen Stool,<br />
£129, cultfurniture.com<br />
38 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
OLIVE & BARR<br />
Elkstone Studios Showroom Opening<br />
This October, British handmade kitchen<br />
company Olive & Barr is delighted to<br />
announce the opening of their third<br />
showroom in the beautiful county<br />
of Gloucestershire. Situated in the<br />
immaculate grounds of Elkstone<br />
Studios, the new showroom is situated<br />
in the first building on the right as you<br />
enter, amongst a community of thriving<br />
businesses, in a delightful setting of barn<br />
conversions.<br />
Founded by cabinet maker Al Bruce<br />
in 2018, Olive & Barr was born out of<br />
a passion for quality craftsmanship,<br />
attention to detail and an intuition for<br />
kitchen design. With a signature Shaker<br />
style Olive & Barr combine traditional<br />
joinery with modern techniques to create<br />
elegant and timeless kitchen cabinetry.<br />
Having already established showrooms<br />
in South London and Malvern, the<br />
shaker kitchen brand is expanding its<br />
reach to the South-West with its latest<br />
opening in Gloucestershire. This move<br />
will cater to the increasing demands of<br />
their expanding customer base.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 1000 sq. ft space has been<br />
thoughtfully designed to create a homefrom-home<br />
feel and showcases, a fully<br />
installed shaker kitchen and boot room,<br />
enabling customers to witness the<br />
quality craftsmanship of the cabinetry<br />
first hand. Open plan and spacious, the<br />
showroom design centres around a large<br />
island painted in Railings by Farrow &<br />
Ball, walled by a selection of beautiful<br />
bespoke cabinetry, designed for both<br />
the kitchen and boot room. <strong>Dec</strong>orated<br />
in calming neutral tones the true-to-life<br />
layout allows customers to visualise an<br />
Olive & Barr kitchen in their own home<br />
and explore the abundance of bespoke<br />
options available to create their dream<br />
kitchen.<br />
With a deep-rooted passion for<br />
customer care, Olive & Barr believe<br />
each kitchen is as unique as its<br />
customer. Upon visiting the showroom,<br />
visitors are warmly welcomed by an<br />
experienced kitchen designer who will<br />
happily discuss their project, however<br />
big or small. Working from plans and<br />
measurements, the designer can provide<br />
a free design service, or if required visit<br />
the customers home (within 130 miles<br />
radius of the showroom) and consult on<br />
creating the perfect shaker kitchen.<br />
Founder Al Bruce comments:<br />
“Due to substantial growth, we are delighted to be expanding our<br />
portfolio, with a new showroom opening in Elkstone Studios,<br />
Gloucestershire. <strong>The</strong> showroom will cater to our South-West<br />
customers, providing an expansive and beautifully designed space<br />
in which they can admire our handcrafted shaker kitchen cabinetry<br />
first-hand and discuss their dream kitchen with our talented team.<br />
We are extremely thankful to our existing clients who have<br />
supported us thus far and are looking forward to establishing<br />
lasting relationships with new clients and local businesses as we<br />
embark on this new chapter.”<br />
Elkstone Studios, Elkstone,<br />
Cheltenham GL53 9PQ
How To Transform<br />
Your Home with DIY<br />
Renovation<br />
Top Tips on How to<br />
Renovate Your Home<br />
from Plymouth-Based<br />
Man With A Hammer<br />
Here, local legend Greg Penn – AKA<br />
Instagram’s @manwithahammer –<br />
offers his own insights into dos and<br />
don’ts when renovating your home.<br />
With several years of experience<br />
under his belt renovating the historic<br />
Admiral’s House in Plymouth,<br />
Greg has been documenting his<br />
renovation journey from the very<br />
start, keeping his followers up to<br />
date every step of the way. Built in<br />
1804, Admiral’s House is a Georgian<br />
building designed by architect<br />
Daniel Alexander Asher, set over<br />
five stunning floors with 30 rooms<br />
in total!<br />
Greg has some excellent advice<br />
for those undergoing their own<br />
DIY renovation projects; whether<br />
it’s a huge Georgian home like his,<br />
or you’re just updating your spare<br />
room, these handy hints will help<br />
to keep you on track – and keep a<br />
positive mindset in place!<br />
40 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />
PLANNING AHEAD TO<br />
GET THE BEST USE<br />
FROM YOUR SPACE<br />
“When designing a room, before you<br />
think about paint colours and what<br />
curtains you might like, the most<br />
important thing is to understand<br />
how you’ll use the space. I like to<br />
draw floorplans, including deciding<br />
where the furniture is going. From<br />
here you can work out where lights,<br />
radiators and plumbing should<br />
go, which need to be factored in<br />
early on. When it comes time to<br />
think about the décor, I also like<br />
to understand what time of day I’ll<br />
mostly use the space – what the<br />
light does has a huge impact on my<br />
choice of colours, depending on<br />
orientation.”<br />
SMART HOMES ARE<br />
HAPPY HOMES<br />
“Create a smart home – this may<br />
seem like a little extra effort and cost<br />
up front, but it will pay off in spades,<br />
making your life easier, and your<br />
home a happier and more efficient<br />
environment for years to come. One<br />
smart home choice I’ve made is<br />
working with Wiser – a smart home<br />
heating system which means I can<br />
individually control the temperature<br />
in each room in my house. It might<br />
seem complicated initially, and you<br />
may even feel a little intimidated,<br />
but with systems such as Wiser,<br />
installation is super simple, and<br />
it’s all controlled through a handy<br />
app, right there on your phone. <strong>The</strong><br />
Wiser system is available in classic<br />
white or stylish anthracite, so it<br />
can be seamlessly and elegantly<br />
incorporated into your chosen<br />
interiors. You could start your smart<br />
home journey with something small,<br />
like a smart doorbell, and work your<br />
way up. Along with my Wiser heating<br />
system, I use smart lighting, switches<br />
and appliances which are all<br />
connected to the Wi-Fi and it’s made<br />
such a difference to my everyday life.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Wiser factory is located about 3
miles from my house in Plymouth, so<br />
not only has it made my life easier,<br />
but I’ve been able to support a local<br />
business at the same time – winner!”<br />
“WHEN DESIGNING A ROOM, BEFORE<br />
YOU THINK ABOUT PAINT COLOURS<br />
AND WHAT CURTAINS YOU MIGHT<br />
LIKE, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING<br />
IS TO UNDERSTAND HOW YOU’LL USE<br />
THE SPACE.”<br />
KEEP AN EYE ON<br />
YOUR PROGRESS<br />
“Take lots of before and after<br />
pictures so you can keep track of<br />
your progress and not lose hope<br />
when it all feels a bit unachievable!<br />
This has been so helpful for me in<br />
my renovation journey – when I’m<br />
6 months behind schedule and yet<br />
another extra task has come up,<br />
being able to see the progress I’ve<br />
made really helps to lift my spirits<br />
and get myself back on track.”<br />
DON’T JUST INSULATE<br />
– VENTILATE!<br />
“Whilst lots of people think about<br />
insulation and draught proofing,<br />
it’s important – especially in an old<br />
home – to think about adequate<br />
ventilation too. Older houses were<br />
designed to be a bit draughty, and<br />
to breathe, with roaring open fires<br />
sending warm, moist air up the<br />
chimney and drawing in cold, dry<br />
air from the outside. In an age of<br />
double glazing and efficient central<br />
heating, combined with hot power<br />
showers, the kettle going 10 times a<br />
day, and significantly more laundry<br />
than the Victorians would have done,<br />
you need to allow that moisture to<br />
escape to avoid damp walls which,<br />
ultimately, are cold walls!”<br />
DON’T BE TOO<br />
HARD ON YOURSELF<br />
– PROGRESS IS<br />
PROGRESS<br />
“Where possible, don’t focus too<br />
much on deadlines and don’t beat<br />
yourself up if (when!) they get<br />
missed. Renovating a home is a<br />
huge undertaking and it’s inevitable<br />
issues and extra jobs will arise<br />
while you’re working. Renovating a<br />
home – or even just one room – is a<br />
journey, and it should be an exciting<br />
and rewarding one; enjoy your<br />
renovation project and be proud<br />
of the hard work you’ve put in and<br />
the results you’ll start to see, even<br />
if they’re a little later than expected.”<br />
A WISER RENOVATION<br />
JOURNEY<br />
“I’ve been working with Wiser for<br />
a few years now and have really<br />
noticed the difference in the level of<br />
control I have over my heating, as<br />
well as the money I’m saving, and<br />
the amount of energy I’m using.<br />
With Wiser, if you activate Eco and<br />
Away mode, you could save up to<br />
a whopping 30% off your energy<br />
bills – that’s not something to be<br />
sniffed at!<br />
“If you’re interested in learning<br />
more about the Wiser heating<br />
system, or finding out which<br />
solution would work best for<br />
your home, I have a very special<br />
Man With A Hammer discount<br />
to share with you – simply use<br />
code MWAH30 to get a brilliant<br />
30% off Wiser, in classic white or<br />
contemporary anthracite to suit<br />
your style.”<br />
To learn more about Wiser, visit<br />
wiser.draytoncontrols.co.uk<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 41
Sophie Conran Sauce Jug & Mini<br />
Ladle, £43, portmeirion.co.uk<br />
Set of 4 Yastigi Washed Linen Napkins,<br />
£28, laredoute.co.uk<br />
Elevate Wine Glass, Set of 2,<br />
£35, dartington.co.uk<br />
St Tropez Champagne Glasses (set of 4, £29) and<br />
Savona Clear Ribbed Tumblers (set of 4, £19),<br />
procook.co.uk<br />
Happy<br />
HOSTING<br />
Beautiful serve wear to complement<br />
your festive spread<br />
layeredlounge.com<br />
Japandi Tablescape,<br />
furniturechoice.co.uk<br />
Nancy & Betty<br />
Christmas Cracker,<br />
nancyandbetty.com<br />
Large Serving Bowl,<br />
£46.99, hauslife.co.uk<br />
Sophie Conran Set of 3 Salad Bowls,<br />
White, £108, portmeirion.co.uk<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 43
“Our guiding principle<br />
is to deliver care to a<br />
standard that we would<br />
expect for our own<br />
parents and loved ones.”<br />
Scan to download<br />
our brochure<br />
01243 543228<br />
manager@nytonhouse.co.uk<br />
www.nytonhouse.co.uk<br />
Find us on Facebook<br />
and Instagram<br />
For the last 45 years, Nyton House<br />
has been providing outstanding<br />
care in a beautiful rural setting on<br />
the outskirts of Chichester,<br />
West Sussex.<br />
We aim to enable residents to live<br />
a happy & fulfilling life,<br />
we empower residents to make<br />
their own choices and treat<br />
everyone with dignity & respect.<br />
Nyton House<br />
Residential Care Home,<br />
Nyton Road, Westergate,<br />
Chichester, PO20 3UL
energy saving<br />
mistakes<br />
James Clark, Technical Training<br />
Manager at Wiser, reveals the<br />
common mistakes homeowners are<br />
making when it comes to reducing<br />
energy bills.<br />
LEAVING YOUR<br />
HEATING ON LOW<br />
ALL DAY<br />
“A lot of people think that leaving<br />
your heating on low all day can help<br />
save energy and money, however,<br />
this isn’t necessarily true. In some<br />
instances (for example in a large<br />
house with underfloor heating and<br />
a heat pump system) it may be<br />
cheaper to have your heating on low<br />
all day; but what we do know from<br />
research is for many UK homes,<br />
having the heating on only when you<br />
need it is the best way to reduce<br />
your energy costs.”<br />
NOT INVESTING IN<br />
SMART HEATING<br />
“Upgrading from basic thermostat<br />
controls to a smart heating system,<br />
such as Wiser, can help you to<br />
save money on your annual energy<br />
bills. With Wiser, you could have<br />
the heating on in bedrooms and<br />
bathrooms for the first hour of the<br />
day, then simply swap it to the home<br />
office and lounge for the afternoon<br />
via your phone. In fact, by switching<br />
to a smart heating system, you can<br />
save up to 30% on your annual<br />
energy bills.*<br />
A smart multi-room heating system is<br />
a great long-term investment that will<br />
save you both energy and money, by<br />
only heating the rooms you choose,<br />
at the times you decide.”<br />
OPTING FOR NON-<br />
ENERGY EFFICIENT<br />
APPLIANCES<br />
“Research shows that swapping<br />
your old kitchen appliances for<br />
energy-saving models could save<br />
you hundreds of pounds per year,<br />
so when it comes to replacing or<br />
upgrading your appliances, make<br />
sure you take into consideration their<br />
energy efficiency credentials. <strong>The</strong><br />
easiest way to compare different<br />
models is to look at the energyefficiency<br />
rating label.”<br />
NOT BALANCING<br />
YOUR HEATING<br />
SYSTEM<br />
“A balanced heating system is a<br />
much more energy efficient one –<br />
by balancing your radiators you’re<br />
making sure that hot water from your<br />
boiler is reaching all of them. By<br />
simply asking your heating engineer<br />
to lower the flow temperature to<br />
around 55ºC and balance the heating<br />
system, you could significantly<br />
reduce your energy bills.”<br />
OPTING FOR HIGH<br />
TEMPERATURES<br />
“Often, many of us use higher<br />
temperatures than we need around<br />
the home, most commonly for our<br />
heating and washing. By dropping<br />
the temperature of your average<br />
cycle down to 40ºC, 30ºC, or<br />
even 20ºC depending on your<br />
machine, you can make serious<br />
savings. You needn’t worry about<br />
your clothes being properly clean;<br />
modern detergents and softeners<br />
wash clothes effectively at a lower<br />
temperature. I would also suggest<br />
turning your thermostat down by<br />
just 1ºC – you’ll likely not notice<br />
a difference in temperature, and<br />
this small change can make a big<br />
difference to the amount of energy<br />
you use, while saving you money off<br />
your energy bills.”<br />
To learn more about how the Wiser<br />
smart home heating system can help<br />
save you money, visit:<br />
wiser.draytoncontrols.co.uk<br />
* Smart thermostat system percentage<br />
savings based on BEAMA and Salford<br />
university research statistics 2021. Energy<br />
mode savings based on Schneider Electric<br />
research on Wiser user data 2021.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 45
THE ROAD TO RETIREMENT:<br />
Property Prospects<br />
As retirement approaches, many<br />
individuals contemplate a change of<br />
scenery, downsizing, or seeking a<br />
property that caters to their evolving<br />
needs and preferences. In the UK,<br />
the retirement property market offers<br />
a diverse range of options, each<br />
with unique features and financial<br />
considerations.<br />
LOCATION, LOCATION,<br />
LOCATION<br />
<strong>The</strong> importance of location cannot<br />
be overstated. Consider proximity to<br />
essential services such as healthcare<br />
facilities, shopping centres, public<br />
transport, and recreational amenities.<br />
Also, think about your lifestyle<br />
preferences; do you prefer urban<br />
living, a tranquil countryside setting,<br />
or a coastal retreat?<br />
PROPERTY TYPE<br />
Retirement properties come in<br />
various forms, including apartments,<br />
bungalows, and retirement villages.<br />
<strong>The</strong> choice depends on your mobility,<br />
lifestyle, and future healthcare<br />
needs. Apartments may offer<br />
easy maintenance and communal<br />
facilities, while bungalows provide<br />
more space and independence.<br />
Retirement villages often provide<br />
a supportive community centred<br />
around various amenities.<br />
ACCESSIBILITY AND<br />
ADAPTABILITY<br />
Consider the property’s accessibility.<br />
Look for features like ramps, wide<br />
doorways, and grab bars that can<br />
accommodate any mobility issues<br />
that may arise in the future. If the<br />
property requires modifications,<br />
factor in the cost and feasibility of<br />
making them.<br />
SERVICE CHARGES AND<br />
GROUND RENT<br />
Many retirement properties come<br />
with service charges and ground<br />
rent. <strong>The</strong>se fees cover maintenance,<br />
communal facilities, and amenities.<br />
Carefully review these charges and<br />
their implications on your budget.<br />
Be aware of any potential increases<br />
over time.<br />
LEGAL STRUCTURE<br />
Understand the legal structure of<br />
the retirement property. Some may<br />
be leasehold, freehold, or part of a<br />
retirement community. Leasehold<br />
properties may have restrictions, so<br />
consult a solicitor to review the lease<br />
agreement thoroughly.<br />
SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES<br />
Retirement properties often provide<br />
opportunities for social interaction<br />
and activities. Investigate whether<br />
there are communal spaces, social<br />
clubs, or organised events that<br />
align with your interests. A vibrant<br />
social life can greatly enhance your<br />
retirement experience.<br />
FINANCIAL<br />
CONSIDERATIONS<br />
When it comes to finances, think<br />
about the following:<br />
Budget: Determine your budget<br />
before beginning your search. Take<br />
into account the purchase price,<br />
service charges, ground rent, and<br />
any potential future expenses.<br />
Equity Release: Explore the<br />
possibility of using equity release<br />
schemes to fund your retirement<br />
property. <strong>The</strong>se can provide a lump<br />
sum or regular income to help with<br />
the purchase.<br />
Selling Existing Property: If you’re<br />
selling your current home, calculate<br />
the proceeds from the sale and how<br />
they will contribute to your retirement<br />
property purchase.<br />
Downsizing Benefits: Downsizing to<br />
a smaller property can free up capital<br />
and reduce ongoing costs.<br />
Inheritance Planning: Consider<br />
the impact of buying a retirement<br />
property on your inheritance plans.<br />
Consult with financial advisors to<br />
ensure your financial strategy aligns<br />
with your goals.<br />
HEALTHCARE ACCESS<br />
As you age, healthcare becomes<br />
more critical. Ensure you have<br />
access to healthcare facilities,<br />
doctors, and pharmacies nearby.<br />
Consider proximity to hospitals and<br />
medical specialists, especially if you<br />
have existing health concerns.<br />
Buying a retirement property in the<br />
UK can be a significant step toward a<br />
comfortable and fulfilling retirement.<br />
By carefully considering location,<br />
property type, accessibility, financial<br />
aspects, and social opportunities, you<br />
can make an informed decision that<br />
supports your well-being and financial<br />
security during your golden years.<br />
Consult with experts, seek legal<br />
advice, and take your time to find the<br />
perfect retirement property that suits<br />
your needs and preferences.<br />
46 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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